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Bhopal, Dec 12 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday that the BJP-led state government will continue the 'Ladli Behna Yojana' in the state despite claiming that the women-centric flagship has created a 'financial burden' on the state's budget.

Chief Minister Yadav made this statement during a press conference, highlighting the achievements and steps taken to strengthen the financial state of the Madhya Pradesh government during the past year under his leadership.

He said that when this scheme was launched, a perception was made that it would not last for a longer period. However, the state government has ensured to deposit every installment of the scheme on its scheduled date without any delay and it could happen because of improvement in the financial position of the state.

"We accept that Ladli Behna Yojana has created an extra financial burden on the government, but at the same time, we have also increased our earning resources during this period. Ladli Behna Yojana will continue," CM Yadav said.

The 'Ladli Behna Yojana' was introduced by former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in June 2023, a few months before the Assembly elections held in the state.

This scheme has played a crucial role in BJP's stellar victory in the 2023 Assembly polls, propelling a two per cent surge in voting by women in the state.

Under the scheme, the state government provides financial assistance to the women (under certain conditions) of Rs 1,250 per month.

The scheme was launched claiming to make women more financially independent, maintain self-reliance, and improve the health and nutritional status of their dependent children by providing monetary benefits.

The concept of this freebie scheme was adopted by some other state governments as well. However, reports suggested that the Ladli Behna scheme costs Rs 19,000 crore financial burden on the cash-strapped government.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a plea filed by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia seeking relaxation of the bail condition requiring him to report to the Investigating Officer semi-weekly.

A bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai decided to delete the bail condition requiring Sisodia to report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“We do not find the said condition is necessary and the same is therefore deleted. However, it is directed that the applicant (Sisodia) shall regularly attend the trial court,” ordered Justice Gavai-led Bench.

Earlier on Monday, the Bench, also comprising Justice K.V. Viswanathan, agreed to list on December 11 the plea moved by Sisodia after senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned it.

In August this year, the Supreme Court granted bail to the senior AAP leader, saying that he cannot be kept behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of a speedy completion of trial in the alleged excise policy case.

Pronouncing the verdict on Sisodia’s bail pleas, a Bench presided over by Justice Gavai had said: "In the present case, in ED as well as CBI matter, 493 witnesses have been named and the case involves thousands of pages of documents and over lakh pages of digitised documents."

"It is thus clear that there is not even a remotest possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. In our view, keeping the appellant behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of speedy completion of the trial would deprive him of the Fundamental Right of Liberty given under Article 21 of the Constitution."

The Bench, also comprising Justice Viswanathan, held that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial not having commenced, Sisodia had been deprived of his right to a speedy trial.

Rejecting the contention that Sisodia, if granted bail, may tamper with the evidence, the Supreme Court had said that the prosecution case majorly stems from documentary evidence, which has already been seized by the CBI and the ED.

The SC refused to accept central agencies’ submission that Sisodia should not be allowed to visit the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office or Delhi Secretariat.

"The appellant (Sisodia) shall surrender his passport with the Special Court. The appellant shall report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10-11 a.m. and the appellant shall not make any attempt either to influence the witnesses or to tamper with the evidence," it said.

In an earlier judgment delivered on October 30 last year, the top court had denied bail to the former Deputy Chief Minister but said that if the trial proceeds slowly in the next three months, he may apply for bail afresh.

Recently, the Delhi High Court issued notice on Sisodia’s plea against the trial court’s decision to take cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scam case.

In his petition filed before the Delhi HC, Sisodia contended that the trial court took cognisance of the alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) without any prior sanction having been obtained by the ED for prosecution.

The plea added that the trial court should have not taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint without sanction since he held a public office at the time of the commission of the alleged money laundering offence.

The matter is slated to be heard next on December 20, along with a similar petition filed by AAP supremo and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal seeking a stay of trial proceedings on the grounds of lack of sanction.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) India has the potential to create more than 30 million new women-owned enterprises, according to a report.

The report -- on democratisation of entrepreneurship in India -- by consulting firm KPMG stated that this can translate to 150 to 170 million more jobs in the country.

Investing in women-led ventures can have a multiplier effect, as they are more likely to reinvest in their communities, the report said.

Further, boosting venture capital (VC) funding in women-led startups in India can enhance gender equity. It will also enable women founders to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the economy on a larger scale.

“More than 20 per cent of India’s MSME startups were by women-led ventures and 45 per cent of these came from tier II and III cities,” said Akhilesh Tuteja, Client’s and Market Partner, KPMG, at the TiE Global Summit 2024 in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, nearly half of the 1,52,139 startups supported by the government now has at least one woman Director (nearly 73,151 startups). This shows the importance of women in driving innovation and economic growth in the country.

It said the government has also implemented several flagship schemes to promote women-led startups. These include about Rs 3,107 crore invested in 149 women-led startups through Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has since its inception in April 2021, approved Rs 227.12 crore in funding for 1,278 women-led startups.

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), operational since April 2023, has guaranteed Rs 24.6 crore in loans for women-led ventures, said the ministry.

Notably, the Startup India Initiative, launched in 2016, has also been a game-changer in fostering entrepreneurship in the country.

The startups led by women are thriving across more than 600 districts in India's tech ecosystem. More than half of the startups in these districts are being led by women.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 11 (IANS) A day after the Kerala High Court spoke tough against how the ruling CPI(M) held a party meeting in the middle of a busy road in the heart of the state capital on December 5, both the Kerala Police and the ruling party on Wednesday started taking measures, as the petition will again come before the court on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Kerala Police registered a case against the top party leader who erected the stage in the middle of the road and 31 others, the CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district secretary V.Joy, who is also an MLA from the district said it was a mistake that happened and should not have happened.

Incidentally, on December 5 hours before the meeting began in the evening, one side of the road was blocked leading to massive traffic snarls as it happened at a time when the schools had wound up for the day and the offices were closing.

What has irked the court is this meeting venue was just opposite the Thiruvananthapuram district court and also the Vanchiyoor police station.

This issue surfaced in the High Court when a petition was filed by N. Prakash seeking contempt action against CPI(M) state Secretary M.V. Govindan and the State Police Chief as the party meeting violated the court’s order that had prohibited the holding of meetings on public roads and roadsides.

The court asked the state government to file an affidavit stating who gives permission for such meetings and also wanted to know from where these meetings get electricity.

It also asked the Circle Inspector of the Vanchiyoor police station to appear before the court on Thursday to explain.

It now remains to be seen how the court, which orally said that it would consider whether the issue has to be taken from a larger perspective, will act tough.

The petitioner had pointed out the meeting violated two previous High Court directives. In 2010, the court ordered that meetings could only be held in stadiums, public grounds outside road margins, grounds of educational institutions on holidays, and not on public roads or road margins. In another order in 2021, it said encroachments, in temporary or permanent form, shall be prevented which affects the right of way or pedestrian facilities on public roads.

This strong directive has come at a time when the ruling CPI(M)’s party meetings across the length and breadth of the state are taking place and in most places during the meetings, the roads get choked and blocked.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, on his birth anniversary, calling him a "statesman par excellence."

Mukherjee, born on December 11, 1935, served as India's 13th President from 2012 to 2017. A Bharat Ratna awardee, he passed away on August 31, 2020, in Delhi.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Remembering Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. Pranab Babu was a one-of-a-kind public figure - a statesman par excellence, a wonderful administrator, and a repository of wisdom."

"His contributions to India's development are noteworthy. He was blessed with a unique ability to build consensus across the spectrum due to his vast experience in governance and his deep understanding of India's culture as well as ethos. We will keep working to realise his vision for our nation," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Mukherjee's role in shaping India's governance, tweeting, "Paying homage to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee Ji on his birth anniversary. A statesman par excellence, Pranabda played a significant role in national administration. As President, he endowed the highest office with his vast experience in public life, fostering a new role for it as the people's office. His enduring legacy will guide our nation forever."

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also paid tributes, saying, "Remembering the former President of India, Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee, on his birth anniversary. A humble tribute to his dedicated service."

The Congress party, where Mukherjee served as a key figure for decades, acknowledged his vital contributions to India's progress.

"Our humble tribute to Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India and a visionary leader. Renowned as a key architect of India's economic reforms, his exemplary service in various ministerial roles significantly contributed to the nation's progress," the party posted on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted Mukherjee's five-decade-long contribution to national life and the Congress party, stating, "We remember the contribution of Former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, to nation-building. A vital figure in national life and the Congress party for over five decades, he brought his wisdom, experience, and profound understanding of diverse subjects to every Constitutional position he held."

Pranab Mukherjee's career spanned decades of service to the nation, holding pivotal roles such as Finance Minister, External Affairs Minister, and later, the President. His tenure as President was marked by a commitment to uphold constitutional values while fostering the office as a bridge between the government and the people.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The matchless thespian of Hindi cinema, he is still remembered for his understated, yet intense roles of brooding and star-crossed lovers, a smitten Mughal Crown Prince, a rustic simpleton-turned-outlaw, boisterous pranksters, dutiful policemen, and many more, yet Dilip Kumar's most significant performance came in a private interaction when he -- politely -- rebuked a future Prime Minister in front of her father.

It would have remained a secret had not Dilip Kumar himself revealed the episode, involving him, Indira Gandhi, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in a speech at a public event decades later.

On the 102nd birth anniversary -- December 11 -- of Muhammad Yusuf Khan alias Dilip Kumar, Indian films' abiding superstar, who left an unmatched legacy with just 57 films in a 54-year-long career, the story deserves to be retold.

As Dilip Kumar recalled, he had just been elected the President of the India Motion Picture Producers Guild, despite not running or being interested in the post, and had been invited to a breakfast meeting with Pandit Nehru.

While Dilip Kumar did not reveal the exact time of this meeting, it most likely took place in 1963 soon after he took over the post. The association's welfare programmes, as he declaimed in his characteristic mix of eloquent English and Hindustani, had the twin aims of creating a social identity, civic consciousness, and credibility for the film industry, and telling the common people that the people of the industry did not just inhabit a world of make-believe but had concerns about their fellow citizens too.

Or as he put it: "Apne waqar ko establish karna tha, ke nahi hoshmand hai, ham ko khayal hai, apni society se muttaliq hai, apni zameen se vabasta hai, apne culture se muttaliq hai..."

He said that Prime Minister Nehru was aware of the special functions the film industry organised for disaster relief, education, and other social welfare objectives, and used to call him over to meet once in a while.

As the actor recalled, Mrs Gandhi was also present at this breakfast meeting and launched into a no-holds-barred broadside against the Hindi film industry, noting how she had visited Paris, Moscow, and London and seen their orchestras, their plays, and films there and how these were far advanced and better than their Indian counterparts. Furthermore, she said that there was "nothing Hindustani about Hindustani films."

Dilip Kumar said that he kept quiet for the nearly 15 minutes or so that Mrs Gandhi harangued him, though inwardly losing his equanimity as she "began to overstep the bounds of decorum" with her "total condemnation of an entire medium", which was "not justified at all." He then thought it would not be rude if he responded to her strident criticism.

He then said, with extreme politeness, that he had been listening to her for 10 to 12 minutes as she criticised Hindustani films, "and you said a lot, which I admit is valid and denying it will be folly, it will be stupidity to claim that Indian films are the best. But let me tell you that you ask where is the 'Hindustaniat in Hindustani films' and in the 12 minutes you have been speaking, there has been no 'Hindustaniat' in your criticism, for you have not used a single Hindustani word... you have been speaking entirely in English."

However, Dilip Kumar said that he did not stop his counter-attack, telling her that in spite of a "dedicated man at the helm of affairs," the country had several problems.

".. we don't only have a film industry that is poor... we have roads that are poor, we have an educational system that is poor, we have an agriculture that is poor, and if I may put it to you, Madam, our administration also has several weak and even some ugly points," he said to her.

The superstar did not reveal Mrs Gandhi's response, but as quiet settled, feared that he had offended the Prime Minister. However, he recalled that it was Pandit Nehru who broke the silence, remarking: "You know, Yusuf, if I was you, I wouldn't have been so polite."

That was the prowess of the "shy 22-year-old son of a Pathan fruit merchant,” renamed Dilip Kumar by Devika Rani when he entered films in 1944 and "single-handedly refined histrionics" and refined acting "to an art form of exalted brilliance,” as per his wife Saira Banu.

Let alone his celluloid career, Dilip Kumar symbolised India's diversity, capable of quoting from the Quran as well as the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible, celebrating Diwali as fervently as Eid and the ceremony marking the completion of Jain children's arduous 30-day fast, and equally fond of Josh, Firaq, and Sahir as Sumitranand Pant, Bharti, and Tagore.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, has reminisced about the exceptional relationship between her father and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as "a rare example of camaraderie that transcended political boundaries".

When Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014, Pranab Mukherjee was serving as the President of India. Sharmistha recalled the moment when Modi sought her father's blessings by touching his feet and requesting his guidance.

Mukherjee responded, saying, "We belong to two different ideologies, but the people have given you a mandate. I will not interfere with governance -- that is your job. But I will be there if you need help in any constitutional matter."

Prime Minister Modi reportedly appreciated this gesture, once telling Sharmistha, "For Dada to say this was a big thing. From the beginning, there was openness and honesty between us."

Pranab Mukherjee's diary entries also highlighted the unique bond. He noted that Modi greeted him by touching his feet even during his tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister, despite being a vocal critic of the Congress party. Mukherjee wrote, "I don't know why, but he has a strange soft corner for me."

Sharmistha stressed the connection between the two leaders extended beyond governance to shared values in spirituality, particularly their mutual admiration for Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

At Mukherjee's farewell ceremony as President in 2017, she recalled that PM Modi delivered an emotional speech, describing him as "a father figure" and "a mentor who inspired me to work harder for the nation."

According to Sharmistha, her father held high regard for PM Modi's political acumen, once noting that "after Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi is one of the rare Prime Ministers who not only understands the pulse of the people but also possesses immense political strength."

In his memoir, 'The Presidential Years: 2012–2017', Mukherjee praised the Prime Minister's decisiveness and work ethic, acknowledging their occasional policy disagreements. He commended PM Modi's governance reforms and ability to connect with people, though he initially had reservations about how PM Modi, with no prior experience in national politics, would handle India's foreign policy challenges.

Sharmistha recalled how PM Modi supported her father even after Mukherjee retired as President. When Mukherjee felt uneasy post-retirement, PM Modi personally called him, saying, "Dada, please don't be depressed. Your words of wisdom have great value for the nation. You should speak your mind at seminars and public events."

When Mukherjee was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019, PM Modi informed him personally before the news was made public. Sharmistha fondly recalled the Prime Minister's genuine pride and happiness during the award ceremony.

In a farewell letter to Mukherjee, PM Modi called him a "father figure" and expressed gratitude for his guidance, a letter Mukherjee later shared on social media.

The relationship between the two leaders stands as a testament to mutual respect and shared commitment to the nation, bridging political and ideological divides.

--IANS

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Srinagar, Dec 11 (IANS) Cold wave continued to sweep across the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday as Srinagar city recorded minus 3 degrees Celsius minimum temperature.

Since morning, fresh snowfall has started in the Zojila Pass axis of the Srinagar- Leh highway. Traffic on the highway has been suspended for the day.

Meteorological Department officials said the minimum temperature was minus 3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city while it was minus 6 and minus 1.8 in Gulmarg and Pahalgam respectively.

Jammu city had 5, Katra 5.9, Batote 1.5, Banihal minus 2.1 and Bhaderwah minus 2.6 as the minimum temperature.

The Meteorological Department has forecast cold, dry weather in J&K till December 24. During this period, the cold is expected to intensify further.

People in Srinagar city and elsewhere were again seen struggling with water taps in the morning to de-freeze these.

Although water bodies like Dal Lake, Wullar Lake, Manasbal Lake and Nigeen Lake have not frozen yet, the extreme chill that sweeps over the water surface prevents boating activities inside these lakes in the morning hours.

Morning walkers have also changed their schedule due to the extreme cold.

The 40-day-long period of intense winter cold called the 'Chillai Kalan' will start on December 21 and end on January 30.

Since electricity continues to play hide and seek due to the huge gap between power consumption and imports from other producers, for locals the ember-filled firepot woven in a willow wicker basket called the 'Kangri' kept under the loose tweed over garment called the 'Pheran' is still the best bet against cold.

During shortages of fresh vegetables, locals use dried vegetables like brinjals, tomatoes and pumpkins which are dried and stored during the autumn months for use in the lean winter days.

--IANS

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Manila, Dec 11 (IANS) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday said it has approved a grant of $25.45 million to help the Solomon Islands develop sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient water supply and sanitation services.

The Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project is implementing high-priority components of the government's water and sanitation sector plan to increase access to piped supply and sanitation services, enhance hygiene awareness, promote water conservation, and improve fecal sludge management, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ADB said the latest additional financing will help meet cost overruns incurred from the growing cost of goods and works, which have increased significantly since March 2020.

The ADB, the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility, and the European Union are funding the 125-million-dollar project.

--IANS

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Dubai, Dec 11 (IANS) Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes the incident between Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj during the second Border-Gavaskar Test in Adelaide was all down to a "misinterpretation" and said it as "accidental" the way the whole thing was played.

The incident took place in the 82nd over of Australia’s first innings, when Siraj castled Head, on 140, with a crushing yorker and gave him a fiery send-off and aggressively gestured to walk back towards the direction of the stands. To this, Head replied back to the pacer before walking off to a standing ovation from his home crowd.

Afterwards, the Adelaide crowd made constant boos whenever Siraj was fielding in the deep or came on to bowl, to express their displeasure over how he behaved with Head.

“Looking back at it now, I think it was accidental the way that whole thing played out. I don't think there was any malice meant at the start. Then the way it started and almost like the misinterpretation of what had actually gone on, I think, led to how it ended," Ponting said in the latest episode of the ICC Review.

While Siraj's reaction was swift and fiery, Ponting believes it was an expected response from a fast bowler under pressure, who had taken only one wicket at that point.

“I know Travis has gone and said that he said, ‘Well bowled’ at the start. Siraj obviously wasn't happy about being hit over the deep backward square for six the ball before," he said.

“Rohit (Sharma) I'm sure would expect these fast bowlers to react like that. When they're under the pressure and they're getting hit and then they've just got a wicket, you'd expect that they'd be up and about.”

However, when Siraj exchanged words back with Head following the dismissal, Ponting said he was worried for the Indian pacer. “Look, it wasn't that big a deal. I was in comms (commentary box) at the time. As soon as I saw the send-off, I actually got worried for Siraj. I know how the umpires react to those things. Umpires and referees don't like seeing the send-off, pointed in the direction of the dressing room," the Aussie great added.

However, the duo were seen having a friendly chat when Siraj came to bat during the second innings of the Test on Sunday, seemingly clearing the issue. Ponting was all praise for the duo for the swift manner in which they brought the matter to a close.

"Both players have now had their say on what they thought happened. It was great to see them actually chatting. When Siraj came out to bat and Travis was at short leg, they were actually clarifying what had happened out there. They were talking amongst themselves as to what had actually happened," he said.

Both Siraj and Head, however, had one demerit point added to their disciplinary code for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, with the Indian pacer also fined a 20 percent penalty on his match fee.

--IANS

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